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Human, Animal
Human, Animal is an ode to the wild, an elegy for what we have lost and a reproof of our society's inability to find common ground.
Since the death of his brother, veteran dairy farmer George has been struggling to keep the family business afloat. His troubles only worsen when animal rights activists descend on his cowshed one morning to film content for their social media.
The fallout is unprecedented, especially as George's youngest child appears to side with the activists. As the family navigate the real-world consequences of going viral, George's elderly mother sleepwalks back to her youth, and a secret she has carried with her for decades – one that could change everything for them all.
A revealing debut novel about the importance of connection in a divided world, exploring themes of family, identity, the enduring effects of conflict and the friction between tradition and progress – from land use and animal rights, to gender, sexuality and relationships. Human, Animal is perfect for fans of Pity by Andrew McMillan, Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart, A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson and The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Rijneveld.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR HUMAN, ANIMAL
'Blisteringly emotional, exploring the complex folds of family bonds. The last page left me haunted. Completely unmissable' - Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb
'Empathetic, beautifully written, and deeply moving, Seth Insua's debut novel explores generational trauma and the strength it takes to truly understand those closest to us. A bridge across viewpoints in divided times, Human, Animal is a must-read' - Bonnie Burke-Patel, author of I Died at Fallow Hall
'In his remarkable debut, Seth Insua achieves the feat of delivering on a compelling drama while also making the reader think and feel... Timely, funny and moving, Human, Animal reminds us how powerful the novel can be in the hands of a true writer' - Charles Fernyhough, author of A Box of Birds
Since the death of his brother, veteran dairy farmer George has been struggling to keep the family business afloat. His troubles only worsen when animal rights activists descend on his cowshed one morning to film content for their social media.
The fallout is unprecedented, especially as George's youngest child appears to side with the activists. As the family navigate the real-world consequences of going viral, George's elderly mother sleepwalks back to her youth, and a secret she has carried with her for decades – one that could change everything for them all.
A revealing debut novel about the importance of connection in a divided world, exploring themes of family, identity, the enduring effects of conflict and the friction between tradition and progress – from land use and animal rights, to gender, sexuality and relationships. Human, Animal is perfect for fans of Pity by Andrew McMillan, Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart, A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson and The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Rijneveld.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR HUMAN, ANIMAL
'Blisteringly emotional, exploring the complex folds of family bonds. The last page left me haunted. Completely unmissable' - Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb
'Empathetic, beautifully written, and deeply moving, Seth Insua's debut novel explores generational trauma and the strength it takes to truly understand those closest to us. A bridge across viewpoints in divided times, Human, Animal is a must-read' - Bonnie Burke-Patel, author of I Died at Fallow Hall
'In his remarkable debut, Seth Insua achieves the feat of delivering on a compelling drama while also making the reader think and feel... Timely, funny and moving, Human, Animal reminds us how powerful the novel can be in the hands of a true writer' - Charles Fernyhough, author of A Box of Birds
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2025
31 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 12, 2024
A novel of tension and discomfort, discovery and learning. I had to sit with my feelings about this one for a day or two while I absorbed what I'd read and processed it against my own feelings and opinions. It's the sort of book that makes you question your position on things and inspires self reflection - the sign of a very powerful piece of storytelling.
It's at once frustrating, sad, inspiring and conflicting - a true melange of past and present not only in literal time, but opinion, ambition and understanding.
A special book that will definitely stay with me.
It's at once frustrating, sad, inspiring and conflicting - a true melange of past and present not only in literal time, but opinion, ambition and understanding.
A special book that will definitely stay with me.
April 21, 2025
3.75⭐️
"Human, Animal" focuses primarily on two stories: a struggling farmer father, looking to get by, and his young adult child, coming-to-terms with their own identity. When extremist animal activists bring scandal to their farm, it sets off a chain of events that upends everyone's world, and makes them question all their believed truths.
This is an extremely ambitious debut, and one that deserves a great amount of respect. This topic is off the beaten path for me, but not only did this story pack a punch, but the content educated me and had thought-provoking topics. This novel has layers upon layers of critical questions of family, identity, morality and ethics, engaging the reader with a subtle suggestion: "What would you do in this situation?"
I can't deny, there were some rough points for me - sometimes the writing didn't really feel that engaging and the plot seemed stagnant. However, there were some major revelations that made me perk up and had me aghast at the drama. Seth Insua philosophizes on the human condition and makes you wonder what it truly means to take space in this crazy world of ours.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel!
"Human, Animal" focuses primarily on two stories: a struggling farmer father, looking to get by, and his young adult child, coming-to-terms with their own identity. When extremist animal activists bring scandal to their farm, it sets off a chain of events that upends everyone's world, and makes them question all their believed truths.
This is an extremely ambitious debut, and one that deserves a great amount of respect. This topic is off the beaten path for me, but not only did this story pack a punch, but the content educated me and had thought-provoking topics. This novel has layers upon layers of critical questions of family, identity, morality and ethics, engaging the reader with a subtle suggestion: "What would you do in this situation?"
I can't deny, there were some rough points for me - sometimes the writing didn't really feel that engaging and the plot seemed stagnant. However, there were some major revelations that made me perk up and had me aghast at the drama. Seth Insua philosophizes on the human condition and makes you wonder what it truly means to take space in this crazy world of ours.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel!
April 26, 2025
Insua’s writing doesn’t pull punches. It’s raw, stripped down, and hits right where it matters. There’s no pretending, no polishing up the rough parts, and that’s exactly what makes it so good. It gets into the guts of what it means to be human; conflicted, emotional, sometimes wild. And it doesn’t apologise for any of it. It reminded me that you don’t have to be neat or put-together to be real. You just have to show up as you are.
August 14, 2025
A nuanced look at the ethics of producing animal products, being queer and vegan in a conservative family of farmers, and a father so stuck in his ways that it's breaking everyone.
To me the ending felt a little unrealistic and sudden, but I acknowledge everyone reacts to situations differently. Really liked the different povs, the historical timeline added some extra intrigue and freshness to the story.
To me the ending felt a little unrealistic and sudden, but I acknowledge everyone reacts to situations differently. Really liked the different povs, the historical timeline added some extra intrigue and freshness to the story.
July 17, 2025
It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel. It packs such a punch. For me, it started slowly as we’re introduced to the three narrators: George and Tom (in 2016) and Stefan in 1944-48. George Calvert is a dairy farmer struggling to make his farm pay its way when it’s targeted by animal rights activists. Tom is his younger son who feels at odds with his family because he sympathises with the animal rights activists whilst also struggling with his sexual identity. The third character is Stefan, a German pilot shot down during the war who worked for a time on the Calvert family farm in the late 1940s.
This is such a powerful novel that moved me to tears on more than one occasion. It’s beautifully written with characters that I really cared about. Highly recommended!
It would make a fantastic film too!
This is such a powerful novel that moved me to tears on more than one occasion. It’s beautifully written with characters that I really cared about. Highly recommended!
It would make a fantastic film too!
June 29, 2025
It is...Brilliant...!
I definitely took my time with this one, and I’m glad I did. What a tender, layered, and utterly brilliant story this turned out to be. At first, it quietly lures you into the complexities of a family-run cow farm and slowly, almost unnoticeably, cracks open much deeper themes: identity, acceptance, love withheld, and the long shadows of generational trauma.
It doesn’t shout—rather, it speaks with aching honesty, making space for every character’s pain, confusion, and silent yearning. The emotional weight builds so naturally that when the final 20% hits, it becomes absolutely unputdownable. The storytelling evolves from personal to generational in such a graceful way that I still can’t quite believe it’s a debut.
The tenderness in the writing, especially around the father-son dynamics and the loneliness of being different within your own family, hit me hard—something specific and deeply personal surfaced, and yes, it made me cry. It might not do that to every reader, but it will certainly make you feel. Thought-provoking in the best sense, this is the kind of book that lingers, that asks you to pause and sit with its truths.
This is easily one of the most unforgettable books I’ve read this year. It’s going to stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, Independent Publishers Group and Verve Books for the advanced readers copy.
I definitely took my time with this one, and I’m glad I did. What a tender, layered, and utterly brilliant story this turned out to be. At first, it quietly lures you into the complexities of a family-run cow farm and slowly, almost unnoticeably, cracks open much deeper themes: identity, acceptance, love withheld, and the long shadows of generational trauma.
It doesn’t shout—rather, it speaks with aching honesty, making space for every character’s pain, confusion, and silent yearning. The emotional weight builds so naturally that when the final 20% hits, it becomes absolutely unputdownable. The storytelling evolves from personal to generational in such a graceful way that I still can’t quite believe it’s a debut.
The tenderness in the writing, especially around the father-son dynamics and the loneliness of being different within your own family, hit me hard—something specific and deeply personal surfaced, and yes, it made me cry. It might not do that to every reader, but it will certainly make you feel. Thought-provoking in the best sense, this is the kind of book that lingers, that asks you to pause and sit with its truths.
This is easily one of the most unforgettable books I’ve read this year. It’s going to stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, Independent Publishers Group and Verve Books for the advanced readers copy.
January 5, 2025
What a stunning debut novel.
It starts off as we follow father and son as they battle against their differing principles. The father is trying to save his struggling dairy farm whilst also wanting to stay firmly in the ‘old ways’, when animal rights activists storm onto the farm and film a viral video which changes everything. The fractures in the Calvert family begin to show when it seems like the son is siding more with the protesters than his family.
This is a novel about family, conflict, belonging and morality. It also weaves a story from the past throughout the book, which shows how the Calvert family has been impacted by a deep secret which comes to light.
This story will stay with me I’m sure.
I can’t wait for this book to be released so I can discuss it!
It starts off as we follow father and son as they battle against their differing principles. The father is trying to save his struggling dairy farm whilst also wanting to stay firmly in the ‘old ways’, when animal rights activists storm onto the farm and film a viral video which changes everything. The fractures in the Calvert family begin to show when it seems like the son is siding more with the protesters than his family.
This is a novel about family, conflict, belonging and morality. It also weaves a story from the past throughout the book, which shows how the Calvert family has been impacted by a deep secret which comes to light.
This story will stay with me I’m sure.
I can’t wait for this book to be released so I can discuss it!
October 31, 2025
Beautiful dedication to how family rips us apart and brings us together. Gassed that i saw all the major plot twists coming apart from the final one which highkey brought a tear to my eye on the district line. I think it works through the emotions (both individual and interpersonal) of when values don’t align well but was sometimes craving more theoretical flesh on both sides of the argument: but maybe that’s not what fiction is for, idk
May 5, 2025
human, animal by seth insua literally reminded me what it is to be human. what a debut!!!
at first, i thought it would be more environmentally focused, but this book is so so so much more than that. themes of masculinity, identity and sexuality, family and following your parents' steps are woven throughout the book, along with themes of animal cruelty and animal rights.
a beautiful debut that doesn't whisper, but screams (!) that you can be and can act differently from what you grew up doing and knowing that you can be more and can be enough for yourself and for this world.
thank you netgalley and independent publishers group | verve books for this arc.
at first, i thought it would be more environmentally focused, but this book is so so so much more than that. themes of masculinity, identity and sexuality, family and following your parents' steps are woven throughout the book, along with themes of animal cruelty and animal rights.
a beautiful debut that doesn't whisper, but screams (!) that you can be and can act differently from what you grew up doing and knowing that you can be more and can be enough for yourself and for this world.
thank you netgalley and independent publishers group | verve books for this arc.
August 6, 2025
My first five star book of 2025 has officially been read, and let me tell you, it’s a special one.
Human, Animal is about family, farming, conflict, adapting to change, queerness, activism, ignorance, love, and so much more. It feels difficult to quantify everything that this wonderful book explores in a short review, so I’ll try not to ramble.
A quick synopsis: George Calvert is trying to keep his family farm afloat, but when vegan activists break in one day to try and ‘expose’ the apparent mistreatment of the animals there, more than one secret threatens to reveal itself.
My favourite aspect of this book is the empathy and humanity that oozes from every page. Insua captures an understanding of both sides of this polarising argument and so we get to understand each character equally, delving into the reasonings behind how they behave and treat one another. The characterisation is nuanced and real and feels so considerate. Although I can relate more to Tam’s POV, I loved reading George’s perspective. We often don’t see writing that explores the mindset behind this kind of character.
There is a lot in this novel that is relatable to me. I’m queer, I didn’t grow up on a farm but I come from a farming background, and although not anymore, I spent a lot of my youth as a veggie/vegan. Also, I’ve spent the last few years caring for grandparents, so the narrative following George’s mother, Maggie, through her dementia and the unveiling of her past also felt incredibly poignant for me.
Not only is Insua an expert in characterisation, but their narrative is engaging and well-paced. There are multiple interweaving plot lines that all blend perfectly, with many of the arguably very different conflicts mirroring one another in the past and the present.
And honestly, I can’t lie, I simply didn’t want to put this book down.
At the end of the day, do we protect ourselves or our family, when it feels like we cannot protect both?
Thank you so much to @verve_books and @sethinsua for my ARC copy. I have found myself a new auto-buy author and I’m thrilled.
Human, Animal is about family, farming, conflict, adapting to change, queerness, activism, ignorance, love, and so much more. It feels difficult to quantify everything that this wonderful book explores in a short review, so I’ll try not to ramble.
A quick synopsis: George Calvert is trying to keep his family farm afloat, but when vegan activists break in one day to try and ‘expose’ the apparent mistreatment of the animals there, more than one secret threatens to reveal itself.
My favourite aspect of this book is the empathy and humanity that oozes from every page. Insua captures an understanding of both sides of this polarising argument and so we get to understand each character equally, delving into the reasonings behind how they behave and treat one another. The characterisation is nuanced and real and feels so considerate. Although I can relate more to Tam’s POV, I loved reading George’s perspective. We often don’t see writing that explores the mindset behind this kind of character.
There is a lot in this novel that is relatable to me. I’m queer, I didn’t grow up on a farm but I come from a farming background, and although not anymore, I spent a lot of my youth as a veggie/vegan. Also, I’ve spent the last few years caring for grandparents, so the narrative following George’s mother, Maggie, through her dementia and the unveiling of her past also felt incredibly poignant for me.
Not only is Insua an expert in characterisation, but their narrative is engaging and well-paced. There are multiple interweaving plot lines that all blend perfectly, with many of the arguably very different conflicts mirroring one another in the past and the present.
And honestly, I can’t lie, I simply didn’t want to put this book down.
At the end of the day, do we protect ourselves or our family, when it feels like we cannot protect both?
Thank you so much to @verve_books and @sethinsua for my ARC copy. I have found myself a new auto-buy author and I’m thrilled.
July 8, 2025
As a non-binary person reading this book hits perfectly about the battle between family and individual identity. Standing up for yourself and what you believe in battling against those that raised and shaped you into the person you become. A truly beautiful portrayal of the struggles as a non-binary child in a traditional family setting. A tale of wanting to find your home in the world. Beautifully written and the way the narrative shifts between the three narrators is just poetic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
Seth Insua’s debut novel, Human, Animal, is a powerful exploration of family, identity, and connection in a world on the edge of change. From the first page, I was immersed in the crumbling landscape of a failing dairy farm, where the Calvert family’s personal struggles collide with larger societal tensions in ways both heart wrenching and thought provoking.
At the story’s core is George Calvert, a proud and stubborn farmer clinging to his family’s legacy. Opposite him stands his son Tom, newly returned from university and burdened with secrets he can’t yet share. Their strained relationship is pushed to its breaking point when animal rights activists target the farm, igniting a controversy that threatens to tear their family and community apart.
One character who particularly captivated me was Stefan, a German prisoner of war whose storyline added unexpected depth and richness to the narrative. His chapters were especially moving, offering a poignant counterpoint to the Calverts’ struggles and broadening the novel’s emotional scope.
Insua’s writing is masterful, tackling complex themes such as animal rights, sexuality, and generational conflict with remarkable sensitivity and authenticity. Each character feels vividly real, their joys and heartaches resonating deeply. What sets this novel apart is its fearless honesty. Insua doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths but invites readers to sit with them, encouraging empathy for perspectives that may challenge our own.
The emotional weight of Human, Animal is unforgettable. As the Calvert family’s layers are peeled back, I found myself deeply invested in their journey, aching for their losses, celebrating their moments of connection, and grappling with the profound questions the story raises. By the time I turned the final page, Human, Animal had left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
Seth Insua has delivered an extraordinary debut. Human, Animal will challenge you, move you, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I cannot recommend it enough.
Thanks so much to VERVE Books for the copy
At the story’s core is George Calvert, a proud and stubborn farmer clinging to his family’s legacy. Opposite him stands his son Tom, newly returned from university and burdened with secrets he can’t yet share. Their strained relationship is pushed to its breaking point when animal rights activists target the farm, igniting a controversy that threatens to tear their family and community apart.
One character who particularly captivated me was Stefan, a German prisoner of war whose storyline added unexpected depth and richness to the narrative. His chapters were especially moving, offering a poignant counterpoint to the Calverts’ struggles and broadening the novel’s emotional scope.
Insua’s writing is masterful, tackling complex themes such as animal rights, sexuality, and generational conflict with remarkable sensitivity and authenticity. Each character feels vividly real, their joys and heartaches resonating deeply. What sets this novel apart is its fearless honesty. Insua doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths but invites readers to sit with them, encouraging empathy for perspectives that may challenge our own.
The emotional weight of Human, Animal is unforgettable. As the Calvert family’s layers are peeled back, I found myself deeply invested in their journey, aching for their losses, celebrating their moments of connection, and grappling with the profound questions the story raises. By the time I turned the final page, Human, Animal had left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
Seth Insua has delivered an extraordinary debut. Human, Animal will challenge you, move you, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I cannot recommend it enough.
Thanks so much to VERVE Books for the copy
January 25, 2025
5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A sharp piece of LGBT+ literary fiction infused with tenderness. 🩵
What a delightful read Human, Animal was with its unwaveringly beautiful and lyrical prose. Insua shies away from the delicate, exploring identity and familial conflict in a forever altering world.
I loved the structure of this read, split with a triad of POVs, focussing on Tom and his father George in the present day, and Stefan in the 1940s. I really enjoyed seeing the disparity in opinions of Tom and George and each page beckoned me to continue reading.
Rich in its farming research, Insua has crafted a poignant novel that alludes seismic messages and assails the destructive world we inhabit. The read brought a smile to my face and also elicited the shed of a few tears too. This book and its characters are ever so relatable. My heart!
I absolutely loved Tom’s character. Sequestered from family and struggling with his identity, this representation in fiction is undeniably important and was delivered incredibly well here. I loved the binary generational differences and how this impacted the story massively too.
With fluctuating levels of predictability, the plot never lost my attention as I was captivated on each and every page. I also liked the slight historical fiction vibe with Stefan’s chapters. I found looking at wartime from this angle very unique.
Overall, Insua’s talent truly swarmed me in this outstanding debut. I can see it being a focal point in literature education in the future. Awards will be won for this book for sure!
A huge thank you to @verve_books and @sethinsua for this beautiful copy of Human, Animal which is publishing on the 20th February 2025. 🫶
I haven’t stopped thinking about this book all week and I urge you to check it out and pre-order it now! 🩵
💬: ‘But you don’t need to empower yourself by oppressing others. by subjecting them to the same censure you suffered.’
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A sharp piece of LGBT+ literary fiction infused with tenderness. 🩵
What a delightful read Human, Animal was with its unwaveringly beautiful and lyrical prose. Insua shies away from the delicate, exploring identity and familial conflict in a forever altering world.
I loved the structure of this read, split with a triad of POVs, focussing on Tom and his father George in the present day, and Stefan in the 1940s. I really enjoyed seeing the disparity in opinions of Tom and George and each page beckoned me to continue reading.
Rich in its farming research, Insua has crafted a poignant novel that alludes seismic messages and assails the destructive world we inhabit. The read brought a smile to my face and also elicited the shed of a few tears too. This book and its characters are ever so relatable. My heart!
I absolutely loved Tom’s character. Sequestered from family and struggling with his identity, this representation in fiction is undeniably important and was delivered incredibly well here. I loved the binary generational differences and how this impacted the story massively too.
With fluctuating levels of predictability, the plot never lost my attention as I was captivated on each and every page. I also liked the slight historical fiction vibe with Stefan’s chapters. I found looking at wartime from this angle very unique.
Overall, Insua’s talent truly swarmed me in this outstanding debut. I can see it being a focal point in literature education in the future. Awards will be won for this book for sure!
A huge thank you to @verve_books and @sethinsua for this beautiful copy of Human, Animal which is publishing on the 20th February 2025. 🫶
I haven’t stopped thinking about this book all week and I urge you to check it out and pre-order it now! 🩵
💬: ‘But you don’t need to empower yourself by oppressing others. by subjecting them to the same censure you suffered.’
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
Read
April 17, 2025Far too neat a resolution of conflicts that span species, genders, and classes. I understand the need for narrative closure, but a much more radical step would be to "stay with the trouble," as Donna Haraway once famously put it. Perhaps the most acute gap still yawning at the end of the novel is the treatment of nonhuman animals. It was left unresolved because it would require demolishing the entire scaffolding of the cis heteronormative nuclear family that managed to absorb the shock of a non-binary person (with an announcement of cishet pregnancy and marriage nonetheless!). I can't help but wonder what would have happened to the novel if it had stubbornly stuck with the animal.
August 29, 2024
Compelling, conflicting and heartbreaking, Human, Animal had my heart pounding in my throat until I'd devoured every last page. A bold and unforgettable novel that not only keeps the reader gripped, but above all, teaches us what it is to be human. This book will win every single award. Insua is a revelation.
August 7, 2025
This debut novel is a beautifully crafted exploration of family, identity, and the tensions between tradition and change. From the first page, I was drawn into its emotional depths, captivated by Insua's lyrical writing and the way he so deftly balances personal struggles with broader societal issues.
The intertwining of past and present adds richness to the narrative, making it an unforgettable and thought-provoking read. It challenged me to reflect on relationships, beliefs, and the ways we seek to understand one another.
Heartfelt, compelling, and deeply moving-Human, Animal is a novel that lingers long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The intertwining of past and present adds richness to the narrative, making it an unforgettable and thought-provoking read. It challenged me to reflect on relationships, beliefs, and the ways we seek to understand one another.
Heartfelt, compelling, and deeply moving-Human, Animal is a novel that lingers long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 7, 2025
Yesterday I finished Human, Animal by Seth Insua and wow, what a powerful debut. The story unfolds on a family dairy farm, and tackles myriad subjects, including morality, tradition, identity, belonging, and intergenerational secrets.
Insua has attempted something ambitious; building up a multi-faceted story, in terms of both timelines and perspectives, and giving nuance to often highly polarised topics.
The emotional undercurrents are subtle yet impactful due to skillful character development and exceptionally well-written dialogue. It feels real, raw, and brave in the way it uncovers human fragilities. It took me several weeks to finish as I was savouring every page.
Beautiful, thought-provoking, and wholly unforgettable, this is a book I know will stay with me. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Insua has attempted something ambitious; building up a multi-faceted story, in terms of both timelines and perspectives, and giving nuance to often highly polarised topics.
The emotional undercurrents are subtle yet impactful due to skillful character development and exceptionally well-written dialogue. It feels real, raw, and brave in the way it uncovers human fragilities. It took me several weeks to finish as I was savouring every page.
Beautiful, thought-provoking, and wholly unforgettable, this is a book I know will stay with me. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
May 2, 2025
One of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read in ages. It navigates some of the tensions and moral ambiguity it’s today’s society through the perspective of really well crafted and super interesting/relatable characters. I loved the way it navigates two polarised perspectives in ways that many books/media today fail to do. Beautiful writing, really fluid. I flew through it and finished it within a few days of starting! Well ahead of my book club timeline! Would highly recommend!!
May 17, 2025
A brilliant and unflinching read that peels back the layers of human behaviour, exploring with honesty why we so often repeat the same mistakes. Seth Insua offers a raw and insightful reflection on how we carry our shame and pain, and how easily we pass them on to others through control, judgement, and blame. ‘Human, Animal’ is a powerful mirror for the soul… one that invites deep reflection and, perhaps, a little healing.
July 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Each character is fully realized, and the weaving of different generations and time periods is skilfully done. The whole narrative feels natural and realistic — which is impressive, given that with these themes, it could have easily become an exercise in writing something merely ‘timely’ or ‘relevant’. It is both, but also timeless and unforced.
It’s embracing of the grey areas and rejecting the dichotomies forced upon us is beautifully done.
Like all good novels, it’s ultimately about relationships — and you can only care about relationships if you believe in the people. I believe in George and Tam; they have real depth.
I cannot wait to read Seth’s next novel.
It’s embracing of the grey areas and rejecting the dichotomies forced upon us is beautifully done.
Like all good novels, it’s ultimately about relationships — and you can only care about relationships if you believe in the people. I believe in George and Tam; they have real depth.
I cannot wait to read Seth’s next novel.
April 7, 2025
Something different in many ways. A coming out story, a farming story, family history and so much more.
I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed it.
July 5, 2025
Absolutely outstanding in a thousand ways and more.
April 16, 2025
I was initially excited to read this book as I was intrigued to see how contemporary literature would tackle ongoing environmental concerns and animal welfare, however these themes only scratch the surface. In my mind, the major theme is actually the lucidity of identity and what it means to find your place. Each character tackles with their own profound and complex issues and emotions, and it is striking to see the parallels in the loneliest journeys. For me, a major takeaway was that no matter how unique and lonely your story feels, there is always someone that can connect with you and deeply understands those feelings — even if their circumstances are completely different.
Separately, I enjoyed the exploration of animal welfare and the morality of farms. That particular strand of the novel felt like an ongoing debate and demonstrated how rarely there is a “correct” answer. This was a very welcome take on personal opinion and values, which I found particularly refreshing in the current climate.
This is a fantastic and powerful debut novel and I am very excited to see what Insua comes up with next.
📌 Set in England, the United Kingdom.
Separately, I enjoyed the exploration of animal welfare and the morality of farms. That particular strand of the novel felt like an ongoing debate and demonstrated how rarely there is a “correct” answer. This was a very welcome take on personal opinion and values, which I found particularly refreshing in the current climate.
This is a fantastic and powerful debut novel and I am very excited to see what Insua comes up with next.
📌 Set in England, the United Kingdom.
March 12, 2025
An incredible exploration of what it means to be human. It’s hard to believe that ‘Human, Animal’ by Seth Insua is a debut novel.
Embodied through three distinct voices—each deeply flawed, complex, beautiful, strong, struggling, and utterly human—this novel seamlessly spans time and generations. With remarkable sensitivity, it weaves together a story of farming, tradition, family, politics, and the ever-changing zeitgeist. At its core, it explores the tension between staying true to oneself and honoring family loyalty, and the delicate balance required when these values come into conflict. A powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish.
Embodied through three distinct voices—each deeply flawed, complex, beautiful, strong, struggling, and utterly human—this novel seamlessly spans time and generations. With remarkable sensitivity, it weaves together a story of farming, tradition, family, politics, and the ever-changing zeitgeist. At its core, it explores the tension between staying true to oneself and honoring family loyalty, and the delicate balance required when these values come into conflict. A powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish.
December 7, 2024
I was expecting this to be about vegans targeting a dairy farm, but it was so much more than this. It is about family, how actions, misunderstandings and not taking the time to understand each other can divide a family. It's about how hurtful actions and social media can be, about how nasty and uneducated comments can potentially destroy a family and their livelihood. It is also about accepting someone for who they are, whether they are straight or gay, trans or not. Reading through this was such an emotional rollercoaster.
This wasn't just a linear story about this family and their struggles but also included the past, how something that happened that they didn't know about has shaped their lives. As a reader it is accepting things in the past that you can't change and then moving on with the life you have. This was so beautifully written and the message in this so powerful and one that everyone should heed.
This wasn't just a linear story about this family and their struggles but also included the past, how something that happened that they didn't know about has shaped their lives. As a reader it is accepting things in the past that you can't change and then moving on with the life you have. This was so beautifully written and the message in this so powerful and one that everyone should heed.
February 15, 2025
In Human, Animal, we follow the story of George, a diary farmer, struggling to stay in business, who's situation becomes inexplicably worse when animal rights activists storm his farm to film footage inside his cowshed in order to post on their social media.
To make matters worse, George's youngest son, Tom, sides with the activists and the relationship between the two breaks down.
Can they repair their relationship before too late, or will a resurfacing secret destroy irreparably destroy the family? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, a seriously impressive debut novel.
It's thought-provoking provoking, and emotional, it's poignant, compelling and empathic.
Beautifully written, at it's heart, it's the story of the human condition, of our shared humanity, and of how we can all struggle to understand each other.
It's heartbreaking, but also funny and hopeful.
A great read.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
To make matters worse, George's youngest son, Tom, sides with the activists and the relationship between the two breaks down.
Can they repair their relationship before too late, or will a resurfacing secret destroy irreparably destroy the family? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, a seriously impressive debut novel.
It's thought-provoking provoking, and emotional, it's poignant, compelling and empathic.
Beautifully written, at it's heart, it's the story of the human condition, of our shared humanity, and of how we can all struggle to understand each other.
It's heartbreaking, but also funny and hopeful.
A great read.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
February 17, 2025
An incredible story about a family who owns a dairy farm that faces criticism and attacks from animal rights activists. They face challenges externally and internally. Tom, the younger son is constantly battling with his inner struggles with identities, pro-animal rights beliefs, relationship with his father, George. He is stubborn, old-fashioned and refuses to keep up with the modern day changes. These differences cause a rapid descension into drifts within the family.
Additionally all this is interwoven with snippets of a diary of a German prisoner of war, who used to stay in the same farm during the WWII. The jumps between 2016 and 1940s, and the switches between the POVs move with ease.
A masterful navigation of exploring different and conflicting themes of animal rights, gender identities, progress and tradition, family, war. What a beautiful tender transformation of the characters in the end that would linger in your mind for a long while.
Additionally all this is interwoven with snippets of a diary of a German prisoner of war, who used to stay in the same farm during the WWII. The jumps between 2016 and 1940s, and the switches between the POVs move with ease.
A masterful navigation of exploring different and conflicting themes of animal rights, gender identities, progress and tradition, family, war. What a beautiful tender transformation of the characters in the end that would linger in your mind for a long while.
December 1, 2024
Human Animal by Seth Insua really left an impression on me—it’s hard to believe it’s a debut novel. The way the story unfolds is just beautiful, and I was totally drawn in by how it’s told from the perspectives of multiple characters. It’s a powerful exploration of coming to terms with who you are, especially when your family doesn’t share your values or beliefs. Do you protect your family or yourself? Each character’s experience felt so real and honest, and I found myself really connecting with their struggles and growth. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
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January 2, 2025Human, Animal took me by surprise. Even after a few chapters, I didn't suspect how deeply it would affect me by the end. It centres around a family farm which is beset by vegan activists, and the family who live there - I was initially concerned that this would be preachy one way or the other, but it really isn't. The way it deals with identity and how it is connected to place and history is something special, and the characters have both distinct voices and satisfying arcs. This is a very impressive debut from Seth Insua and I'm excited to read what comes next.
February 13, 2025
I loved everything about Human, Animal. The writing is razor-sharp and precise. The storytelling is beautifully layered, brought to life through characters I found myself genuinely caring about.
What makes this novel especially compelling is the way it juxtaposes narrators, weaving themes of identity, difference, ‘masculinity’, and familial bonds that feel as alive today as they were during the Second World War.
The exploration of queerness, navigating that sense of self amid family expectations and societal pressures is tender, heartbreaking, and deeply resonant.
What makes this novel especially compelling is the way it juxtaposes narrators, weaving themes of identity, difference, ‘masculinity’, and familial bonds that feel as alive today as they were during the Second World War.
The exploration of queerness, navigating that sense of self amid family expectations and societal pressures is tender, heartbreaking, and deeply resonant.
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